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RIC V Claudius Gothicus 181

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Claudius Gothicus 181. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Claudius II Gothicus. Mint: Siscia. The obverse shows bust of Claudius Gothicus, radiate, draped, right or bust of Claudius Gothicus, radiate, cuirassed, right or head of Claudius Gothicus, radiate, right, with the legend IMP CLAVDIVS AVG.

The reverse shows laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend LAETITIA AVG.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Claudius II Gothicus served as Roman emperor from 268 to 270. During his brief reign, he achieved successful military campaigns against the Alemanni and secured a decisive victory against the Goths at the Battle of Naissus. His rule concluded when he died from a pestilence, possibly the Plague of Cyprian, which had been afflicting the imperial provinces.

This silver antoninianus was produced for Claudius II at the mint of Siscia. Originally introduced under Caracalla as a denomination valued at two denarii, the antoninianus was distinguished by the radiate crown adorning the emperor's portrait. Successive soldier emperors relied heavily on minting these coins to pay their troops and maintain military loyalty, leading to progressive debasement as imperial silver supplies dwindled. The obverse bears the emperor's title "IMP CLAVDIVS AVG", while the reverse displays Laetitia holding a wreath and cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription "LAETITIA AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Siscia
Authority
Claudius II Gothicus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Claudius Gothicus, radiate, draped, right or bust of Claudius Gothicus, radiate, cuirassed, right or head of Claudius Gothicus, radiate, right
Reverse
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CLAVDIVS AVG
Reverse legend
LAETITIA AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Claudius Gothicus 181
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CLAVDIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
LAETITIA AVG
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC V Claudius Gothicus 56

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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